Project Engineer

GEA · Oakdale · $85,000–$115,000 (stated in the posting)

Responsibilities / Tasks

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000 - $115,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

The Project Engineer is a key member of the Project Engineering team, supporting the Filtration Engineering group in the successful, timely, and profitable execution of customer projects. This role is responsible for supporting and/or leading engineering activities across the full project lifecycle while ensuring compliance with GEA standards, customer specifications, and applicable regulations.

Projects may involve a range of technologies across beverage, dairy, and emerging food applications. In some cases, the Project Engineer may also serve as the Project Manager for assigned projects.

The Project Engineer contributes to project success by delivering efficient engineering solutions, proactively managing technical and execution risks, and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and contract profitability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Participate in all phases of projects, from initial customer meetings and pre-award support through cost estimation, proposal development, engineering, commissioning, and start-up.
Serve as the technical owner for assigned project areas by specifying equipment and engineering solutions that meet customer requirements, timelines, and budget constraints.
Apply engineering standards and optimize designs to meet customer specifications while controlling project costs.
Proactively identify technical, scheduling, execution, or commercial risks and take appropriate action to ensure project commitments are met.
Document customer meetings, discussions, and correspondence; maintain organized and accurate project documentation and technical files, including version control and approval tracking.
Collaborate with designers to develop General Arrangement (GA) drawings, Hole & Load drawings, utility drawings, instrumentation layouts, and motor location drawings.
Create and maintain utility lists, equipment tag lists, and component specifications.
Specify and size system components such as pumps, valves, instrumentation, and related equipment.
Prepare technical specifications and participate in design reviews.
Review, evaluate, and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
Coordinate equipment shipment to customer sites in collaboration with the logistics team.
Support installation activities, including mechanical punch-list closeout.
Perform I/O checks and mechanical checkout of installed equipment on site.
Support commissioning and start-up activities, including operator and maintenance training at customer sites.
Ensure engineering and commissioning activities are completed in accordance with GEA standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulations.
Utilize GEA tools, templates, and documentation throughout all project phases.
Provide technical input to the Project Manager to support project planning, execution, risk mitigation, work breakdown structures, and scheduling.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver project milestones and ensure design applicability.
Provide technical support for troubleshooting equipment, system performance, and process issues.
Assist in planning and execution of testing procedures, installation RFQs, site support activities, commissioning plans, and site acceptance testing.
Support scope change identification and justification; assist with cost and schedule impact estimates and change order preparation.
Prepare RFQ documentation and support Procurement with vendor technical evaluations, selection, and vendor management.
Support Service organization activities as required.
Ensure compliance with government regulations (safety, environmental) and industry standards, including sanitary requirements.
Adhere to GEA Environmental Health & Safety policies and OSHA regulations.
Assist with preparation of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals and spare parts lists.
Develop project schedules to meet defined milestones.
Deliver technical or project status presentations to customers and/or internal stakeholders as required.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
May be assigned to act as Project Manager for select projects.
Travel up to 30% with some international travel

Your Profile / Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience preferred (food, dairy, or beverage industries).

Required Skills and Abilities

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams.
Strong customer focus with exceptional service orientation.
Self-motivated, proactive, and decisive with sound commercial and business acumen.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with the ability to meet de
adlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to develop leadership capabilities and influence project outcomes.
Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
Comfortable working in high-pressure or time-sensitive project environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related software tools.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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